The expat profile is changing and the property market is evolving accordingly. One operator is adding long-stay apartments to its portfolio to meet the needs of today’s international newcomers.

The highly-skilled worker who comes to the Netherlands for a few months and then flies out again is on the decline.

Today, expats are more eager than ever to adapt to Dutch life and live like a local here. Expats stay longer in the Netherlands, with around half remaining for more than five years (CBS, 2015).

In Amsterdam, ’s 2017 survey found that expats were twice as likely to send their children to a Dutch school, rather than an international one; while other research has shown 38% plan to take Dutch lessons within a year.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the popularity of Amsterdam, which is still the Netherlands’
Angara Claw Amethyst and Diamond Halo Stud Earrings in White Gold acGLnNV
. The capital offers interesting employment opportunities for foreigners as big-name companies and organisations, seeking a hub within the Eurozone, establish offices in and around the city, many in the expanding
Zuidas
district to the south.

But while the job market is booming, the housing sector has struggled to keep up and the
shortage of accommodation
in Amsterdam can be a headache for newcomers.

Corporate but cosy

Corporate Housing Living
, the newest strand of
Corporate Housing Factory
(2013), which until now has focused on the short-stay model, is answering this call for longer-stay solutions with a new development:
Falcon Living
, in Amsterdam. The smart, three-bedroom, serviced apartments, close to the Waterlooplein, all have balconies with a canal view and are available to rent for a period of between six months and two years.

Offering a corporate solution that still feels like home, CHL links up with companies to provide high-quality, fuss-free accommodation for international employees as soon as they arrive.

If people decide to stay on, then these stress-free early years in professionally-managed apartments give them time to find their feet and familiarise themselves with the way of life here – as well as the complexities of the housing market – before making a decision about buying or renting in the longer term.

The botanical gardens are just around the corner. Photo: Samuel Zeller via Wikimedia Commons

Quinten Johnson, a three-star safety form St. John's College in Washington D.C., announced Tuesday at The Opening Finals at The Star in Frisco, Texas, that he plans toplay for the Wolverines as part of the 2019 class.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Johnson is rated the No. 4 player in Washington, D.C., and the No. 37 safety nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite. He is the third defensive back to commit to Michigan's 2019 class, joining three-star cornerback DJ Turner II (North Gwinnett in Suwanee, Ga.) and three-star safety Joey Velazquez (St. Francis De Sales of Columbus, Ohio).

Michigan has 19 commitments in its 2019 class, which as of Tuesday afternoon ranks No. 3 nationally, and No. 1 in the Big Ten, according to the 247Sports Composite.

An exhibition: 12 February
–
22 June 2018

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Across the world millions of people have been displaced from their homes by conflict and civil unrest. Many of those displaced find themselves far from home, separated from family members and social support without the language skills they need for even basic communication and access to essential services. Education and career opportunities for both children and adults have been severely disrupted, or halted.

Language learning is absolutely essential. It helps refugees and their host communities to withstand challenges, to recover from crisis, to overcome barriers – to build resilience.

Amin Awad, UNHCR Middle East and North Africa Bureau, Regional Refugee Co-ordinator for the Syria and Iraq Situations

Based on our work in partnership with international institutions, individuals and communities across the Middle East, Africa, the European Union and the Americas, the
Language for Resilience research
identifies five ways language builds resilience, whether that’s giving a voice to young people and adults, building social cohesion in host communities or providing individuals with the skills they need to access work, services, education and information.

Language and identity

Home languages provide the language skills and literacy which are the basis for learning new languages and learning in general. By protecting the use of refugees’ home languages, supporting their use in the home, throughout communities and through multilingual education, we can help break down the barriers to schooling and further education.

Communities brought together

'My friends had told me the Syrian pupils were different from us but they are not so different. They are children and I love them.'
- Yara Abo Shousha, Lebanese student

- Yara Abo Shousha, Lebanese student

Language learning promotes inclusion and non-discrimination. It allows refugee communities to come together with their host communities, strengthening the society of which they are all part. A shared language increases refugee integration and helps refugees to become self-sufficient and make valuable contributions to their local community.

Rugged mountains, lush hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves, and crystal-clear water provide an adventure playground with an appealing Mediterranean climate - this is a wonderful challenge destination for all seasons.